Modinomics at 76: The birthday cake, the candles and the numbers

From mountain fighters to Red Sea power: How the Houthis rose to control Bab el-Mandeb

Yemen's Houthi group now controls the vital Bab el-Mandeb Strait. This group evolved into a formidable fighting force with Iranian support. They have disrupted vital shipping and struck critical oil facilities. Houthi missiles and drones have reached over 1,000 miles away. Their military tactics focus on infiltration and drone attacks.

84% of Indian small and medium enterprises plan to increase cybersecurity spending, but readiness gaps persist: Study

A large majority of Indian small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are planning to increase their cybersecurity investments over the next 12-24 months, but gaps in preparedness, monitoring and skilled expertise continue to remain a challenge, according to a study by Tata Tele Business Services (TTBS) and CyberMedia Research (CMR).

India secures 1.9 MT steel export quota to EU, expects total access to reach 2.8 MT

India secured a 1.9 million tonne annual steel export quota to the European Union. Exporters anticipate an additional 0.9 million tonne from residual quotas. This agreement protects the EU's steel industry against global overcapacity issues. Indian steel exports will face the EU's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism. The pact is expected to be implemented next year after signing.

RBI withdraws $5.2 billion via first net open market debt sale in 9 years

The Reserve Bank of India has taken steps to absorb liquidity from the banking sector by selling bonds worth 500 billion rupees. This strategic move included the sale of securities with maturation dates slated between fiscal 2029 and fiscal 2032, marking the first net sale since November 2017. Consequently, an amount equivalent to nearly 0.2% of total deposits has been withdrawn from circulation.

Finance Ministry rejects US pressure claims over new UPI MDR, says RuPay has no special edge

India's Finance Ministry rejects claims of US influence on UPI payment charges. The new framework prioritizes RuPay credit cards for UPI transactions. This move aims to foster domestic competition and create a sustainable revenue model. Small merchants and certain transactions will remain exempt from the new charges. The government emphasizes protecting India's electronic payment ecosystem sovereignty.

Lebanon security talks in Paris focus on replacing UN mission

Leaders from France, Lebanon, and Jordan met in Paris to discuss future support. They are planning a new force to replace the UN peacekeeping mission. This comes as the UNIFIL mandate concludes after nearly fifty years of operations. Lebanon seeks a European or other force to prevent a security vacuum.

How Fed rate hike can impact Bitcoin and other crypto investors

The Fed’s rate hike could keep pressure on Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies by raising the appeal of safer assets and limiting cheap funding. ETF outflows, tighter liquidity, inflation risks and potential further hikes may shape investor demand. For Indian investors, currency movements add another layer to Bitcoin’s dollar-price volatility.

Tata Sons approves five-year extension for N Chandrasekaran to prepare for IPO

Tata Sons' board approved N. Chandrasekaran's reappointment as executive chairman for five years. The company also initiated plans for a potential public listing following regulatory directives. This decision reverses Chandrasekaran's earlier announcement about not seeking another term. The listing follows the RBI's rejection of Tata Sons' request to exit shadow banking regulations. This move prepares Tata Sons for significant structural changes and a new operational phase.

Homebuyers remain bullish on real estate despite rising prices; premium homes, new launches gain traction: Anarock survey

Anarock’s H1 2026 survey shows homebuyers remain committed to residential property despite rising prices, with growing preference for larger homes, premium housing, new launches and established developers, while resale and rental potential are gaining importance.

SEBI F&O settlement tweak may cut reliance on closing auction, says Kotak

Brokerage says blended 40-minute trade pool could help, but cash-market depth still needed to make CAS robust

AITUC calls for periodic revision of wage ceiling under EPFO

A day after the government announced a revision in wage ceiling under the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) to Rs 25,000 per month from Rs 15,000, the All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC) AITUC demanding the wage ceiling to be fixed at Rs 30,000 per month to keep pace with increase in workers’ earnings.

Pakistan to seek bigger China swap line as $30 billion facility nears renewal

Pakistan plans to request an increased swap line with China upon its 2027 expiration. The nation anticipates a U.S. response regarding a proposed $10 billion stabilization facility soon. Discussions are ongoing with U.S. entities for potential aircraft and refinery financing. Pakistan navigates elevated crude oil prices due to Middle East conflict concerns. The government currently sees its financial situation as manageable without additional IMF support.

Kiran Bedi moves Delhi HC in Satya Niketan building collapse case, Centre opposes

Retired IPS officer Kiran Bedi approached the Delhi High Court seeking intervention. She wishes to be a party in the Satya Niketan building collapse case. This incident tragically resulted in seven fatalities and several injuries. Authorities opposed her application and requested time to file objections. The court granted them three days to respond to Bedi's plea.

Kiran Bedi moves Delhi HC in Satya Niketan building collapse case, Centre opposes

Retired IPS officer Kiran Bedi approached the Delhi High Court seeking intervention. She wishes to be a party in the Satya Niketan building collapse case. This incident tragically resulted in seven fatalities and several injuries. Authorities opposed her application and requested time to file objections. The court granted them three days to respond to Bedi's plea.

GIFT City moves up 9 places to 37th globally, ranks among Asia-Pacific top 15

GIFT City has surged nine positions to secure the 37th spot in the Global Financial Centres Index, marking a significant achievement for India as it joins the top 15 financial hubs in the Asia-Pacific region. With its FinTech ranking also improving by three places to 26th globally, this leap underscores the city's commitment to enhancing its financial services ecosystem and integrating technology.

Taipei donates coastguard vessel to Manila amid South China Sea tensions

Taiwan has quietly acknowledged donating a coastguard vessel to the Philippines, potentially adding to Manila’s maritime patrol capacity amid its long-running stand-off with Beijing in the South China Sea. Taiwan’s Coast Guard Administration said on Wednesday that “this case” was being handled in line with previous transfers of vessels to the Marshall Islands, Palau and Tuvalu. Unlike those three Pacific states, which all maintain formal diplomatic ties with Taipei, the Philippines recognises...

In 2012, Elon Musk paid $17 million for a 16,251-square-foot Bel-Air mansion with rooftop solar; 8 years later, he sold it for $29 million

In 2020, Elon Musk made headlines by selling a lavish Bel-Air mansion at a hefty profit. This sale unfolded against a backdrop where countless young adults confronted an increasingly unaffordable housing market. With home prices spiraling, Musk's lucrative real estate dealings highlight a stark divide between his financial gains and the struggles of a generation unable to secure proper housing.

Father spent Rs 2,000 on son’s Roblox promotion, forgot to delete card; 9-year-old created a Rs 1 crore bill problem from saved details

A nine-year-old Minecraft and Roblox creator reportedly used his father’s saved company card details to promote videos on his YouTube channel, resulting in $118,000 in advertising charges over three weeks. His father, marketing professional David Sarkisyan, said he had initially spent about $20 on promotion but failed to remove the payment information, allowing his son to access it later.

Quote of the day by former First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy: ‘There comes a time in life when you walk away from all the drama…’ – a reminder to choose peace over negativity

Jacqueline Kennedy, known for her role as First Lady, shared her insights on navigating life's obstacles. She emphasized the importance of distancing oneself from negativity while cherishing supportive connections as key to true happiness. Her experiences, marked by significant personal trials and unwavering dedication to public service, enhanced her wisdom.

Tata Trusts split spills into Tata Sons boardroom as SDTT seeks to block nominee’s listing vote

A split within Tata Trusts is affecting Tata Sons' boardroom decisions regarding its impending listing. Sir Dorabji Tata Trust seeks to prevent its nominee director from supporting the public offering. The Reserve Bank of India has mandated that upper-layer NBFCs must list on stock exchanges. Tata Sons board is expected to accept this directive, prompting swift regulatory compliance preparations.

Asian Games 2026: India aim to turn World Cup lessons into action, defend hockey title and seal LA Olympics berth

India’s men’s hockey team will seek to put its disappointing World Cup campaign behind it as it begins its Asian Games title defence in Nagoya. Coach Craig Fulton said the team has identified areas for improvement and is focused on translating those lessons into action, with Sunday’s opener against Indonesia next.

Use rubbing alcohol for routine pruning; reserve a 1:9 bleach solution for tools exposed to fire blight

Recent millennial gardening trends highlight a crucial oversight regarding tool sanitation, which can contribute to the spread of plant diseases. Many suggest using bleach for cleaning, though it risks damaging metal tools over time. A safer alternative is rubbing alcohol, ideal for daily upkeep. Still, bleach is vital for combating specific diseases like fire blight in fruit trees. Properly cleaning gardening tools promotes healthier plants and prolongs their longevity.

India shooters face long commutes, bus delays at Asian Games as coach flags arrangements

A senior coach voiced disappointment with Asian Games arrangements in Nagoya. Shooters face long commutes to the competition venue daily. Buses experienced significant delays, impacting training schedules for athletes. The coach noted Japan's image was somewhat tarnished by these issues. Despite challenges, the team must adapt and focus on their performance.

BCCI AGM: Andaman & Nicobar associate membership, ICC representative and IPL Governing Council on agenda

The upcoming 95th Annual General Meeting of the BCCI promises to tackle significant issues including associate membership and ICC representative roles. Arun Dhumal's unopposed re-election to the IPL Governing Council will also be formalized. Moreover, the agenda encompasses a review of financial data, annual budgets, and selections for committees, while contemplating the direction of the chairman of selectors, addressing critical governance in Indian cricket.

A Virginia dairy takes 105,000 tons of discarded food and drink each year instead of sending it to waste; it becomes renewable gas

A Virginia dairy farm is pioneering a method to convert food waste and cow manure into renewable energy. By producing renewable natural gas, the farm is able to support the operations of a local pharmaceutical company. This project not only diverts significant amounts of waste from landfills but also highlights the economic viability of sustainable energy solutions, aided by federal incentives and policies designed for environmental progress.

Nirmala Sitharaman cries while listening to legendary Carnatic vocalist M.S. Subbulakshmi at a Bengaluru event

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman became emotional at an event in Bengaluru. The program honored the 110th birth anniversary of Carnatic vocalist M.S. Subbulakshmi. Subbulakshmi's great-granddaughters performed some of her renowned compositions during the celebration. The minister reflected on Subbulakshmi's dedication and her significant musical legacy. M.S. Subbulakshmi received the Bharat Ratna and performed at the United Nations.

Quote of the Day by French poet Alfred de Musset: ‘A happy memory is perhaps on this earth truer than happiness itself’ - a tender reflection on memory, joy and the moments we carry with us

Quote of the Day by Alfred de Musset: Nostalgia often presents a brighter picture than current joy. Our memories refine emotions, capturing pure and cherished instances. It's through the lens of time that we come to value joy more profoundly once it transforms into a memory. As time passes, experiences enhance their worth, becoming one-of-a-kind treasures.

1966 Asian Games hockey gold: Olympic medallist Harbinder Singh recalls how 10-man India beat Pakistan in Bangkok final

Recalling the triumph at the 1966 Asian Games, Harbinder Singh speaks of a gold medal won amidst the spirit of a patriotic anthem and fierce competition. He believes contemporary hockey lacks the finesse of the past and emphasizes the importance of having international players participate in local matches to enhance the sport's appeal. Singh confidently declares that the Indian team is poised to emerge victorious again at the Asian Games.

‘Our engineering talent pool is gold mine’: Modi woos chipmakers, unveils $13.5 bn SEMICON phase

‘Our engineering talent pool is gold mine’: Modi woos chipmakers, unveils $13.5 bn SEMICON phase

India’s August exports rise 26.1%, trade deficit narrows to $26.9 billion

India’s merchandise exports jumped 26.1% year-on-year to $43.8 billion in August, accelerating from 19.6% growth in July, while slower import growth narrowed the merchandise trade deficit to $26.9 billion from $32 billion in July.

In 1982, a near-fatal ‘Coolie’ accident left doctors declaring Big B ‘clinically dead’; Amitabh Bachchan now has no pulse in his wrist

Amitabh Bachchan shared a startling detail about his 1982 Coolie accident. He explained that doctors made several cuts around his wrist during treatment. This severe injury resulted in him having no pulse on that particular wrist. He humorously stated that his pulse is now only detectable on his neck. Bachchan recalled this during an episode of Kaun Banega Crorepati Season 13.

Asian Games chief defends 'functional' rooms after backlash

Accommodation for Asian Games athletes in Japan is "functional" and efforts are being made to deal with numerous complaints from disgruntled teams, a chief organiser told AFP. More than 17,000 competitors and officials are expected at the continent's biggest sporting spectacular, which opens on Saturday in Nagoya. Speaking ahead of the opening ceremony, organising committee president Hideaki Omura said efforts are being made to ensure athletes are comfortable.

Silver futures decline to ₹2.34 lakh/kg

On the Multi Commodity Exchange, silver contracts for December delivery declined by ₹476, or 0.20%, to ₹2,34,310 per kg in a business turnover of 12,785 lots

Global Market: Eurozone bond yields edge higher after Fed rate hike

The eurozone bond yields edged higher after the Federal Reserve raised interest rates and signalled further tightening. German short-term yields increased, while the 10-year yield remained near a 17-year high. Rising oil and gas prices are also raising concerns about renewed ECB rate hikes, with markets pricing further increases amid persistent inflationary pressures.

An Ohio plant takes 190,000 tons of unwanted food a year instead of sending it to landfill; what comes out is pipeline-ready renewable natural gas

In St. Bernard, Ohio, a groundbreaking facility is turning food waste into renewable natural gas through anaerobic digestion. This efficient method decomposes organic materials to produce gas, which is purified and delivered into existing pipelines. This approach not only reduces landfill methane emissions but also transforms waste into a valuable resource, paving the way for similar initiatives across the country.

Gold futures decline to ₹1.52 lakh/10gm

On the Multi Commodity Exchange, yellow metal contracts for October delivery traded lower by ₹398, or 0.26%, at ₹1,52,072 per 10 grams in a business turnover of 8,493 lots

Asian Games 2026: India begin women's cricket title defence against Japan after Asia Cup triumph

Defending champions India will begin their Asian Games women's cricket title defence against hosts Japan in the quarterfinals on Friday, days after winning a record-extending eighth Asia Cup. Shafali Verma, Sree Charani and Deepti Sharma will be central to India's campaign in a straight knockout tournament offering no margin for error.

India’s rice production faces biggest drop in two decades

Output could fall by 10 million tonnes in 2026/27 from a year ago, but record rice inventories expected to ensure unrestricted export

10 low-income Rosebud Sioux families got solar panels on their homes; the systems cut their tribal housing authority's electric bill by $8,122 in one year

Ten families on the Rosebud Sioux Reservation received cheaper electricity bills from solar panels. The tribal housing authority saved over eight thousand dollars in the first year. Local residents received hands-on training during the solar panel installations. This project served as a launchpad for further renewable energy initiatives. Such clean energy projects can empower marginalized communities with affordable power.